Stopper retaining and extracting device.



7 Q PATBNTED JAN. 16, 1906. w. L. GALLAGHER.

STOPPER RETAINING AND EXTRAGT ING DEVICE. APPLICATION nun BEPT.13.1905.

gnuentoz aw %7a//Z/ W- WILLIAM L. GALLAGHER, OF POINT REYES STATION, CALIFORNIA.

STOPPER RETAINING AND EXTRACTING DEVICE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 16, 1906.

Application filed September 13, 1905. Serial No. 278,328.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, WILLIAM L. GALLA- GHER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Point Reyes Station, in the county of Marin and State of California, have invented new and useful Improvements in Stopper Retaining and Extracting Devices, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to stopper retaining and extracting devices, and has for its objects to produce a comparatively simple inexpensive device of this character which in practice will normally secure the stopper in seated position within the neck of a vessel and one whereby the stopper may when circumstances require be readily extracted.

With these and other objects in view the invention comprises the novel features of construction and combination of parts more fully hereinafter described.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure '1 is a perspective view of a portion of a bottleneck equipped with a device embodying the invention. Fig. 2 is a detail perspect ve v ew of the retaining element and showing the same in applied position. Fig. 3 is a de tail view, partly in section, showing the element in position for extracting the stopper.

Referring to the drawings, 1 designates the neck of a bottle or other vessel in which is seated a stopper 2, composed of cork or other suitable material, these parts, except as here inafter explained, being of the usual or any preferred construct on and adapted in prac tice to perform their ordinary functions.

Formed transversely through the stopper 2 at a point between its ends is an opening 3, through wh ch is threaded a wire or like element 4, adapted to be bent upwardly at opposite sides of the stopper 2 to permit application of the latter to the neck 1, under which conditions the material of the element is embedded in that of the stopper. After the stopper has been applied the free portions ofv the wire are bent in relatively reversed directions across the top of the stopper and thence downward in the form of vertical portions or sides of the neck 1, the wire after the formation of the arms 5 being wrapped in reverse directions around the neck 1 to form a pair of independent bands or coils 6, embracing the neck in superposed relation, as clearly seen in Figs. 1 and 2. In bending the wire to form the coils 6 there is produced at the lower end of each arm 5 a loop 7, through which the wire is after the completion of the coil looped, as at 8, thus forming secure interlocking connection between the meeting portions of the wire at the completion of each coil, after which the free ends of the wire 4 are overlapped at a point centrally between the arms Sand finally twisted and bent downward at the side of the vessel, as at 9.

In practice when it is desired to remove the stopper 2 the terminals of the wire are untwisted and disengaged from the neck 1 and then bent upward, as seen in Fig. 3, whereupon they may be readily grasped and utilized for extracting the stopper 2. It is apparent that under my construction the stopper will be retained firmly and securely in the neck of the vessel and may be conveniently removed when circumstances require.

. From the foregoing it is apparent that I produce a simple inexpensive device which in practice will admirably perform its functions to the attainment of the ends in view, it being understood that minor changes in the details herein set forth may be resorted to Without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-- A vessel having a neck, a stopper adapted to be seated inthe latter and provided with a transverse opening, a flexible element threaded through said opening and bent in reverse directions across the top of the stopper and thence downward to form depending portions terminating at their lower ends in loops, the element being thereafter wrapped around the neck to present a pair of independent superposed coils terminating in loops having interlocking engagement with the loops on the arms, the terminals of the element being finally crossed and twisted.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

WILLIAM L. GALLAGHER.

Witnesses FRANK M. SILVA, A. OALLAN. 

